Rearranging the kinematic equations

In summary: I really want to understand physics. Do you have any suggestions on how I could improve my understanding?In summary, In an example my physics teacher uses the equation x = x0 + (v^2-u^2)/2a, I'm assuming he derived that from the second equation I listed but I can't figure out why (v^2-u^2) is divided by 2a. When I rearrange that equation I get s = v^2 - y^2 - 2a.
  • #1
BogMonkey
76
0
The equations for linear motion I've memorized are:
1.) v = u + at
2.) v^2 = u^2 + 2as
3.) s = ut + 1/2(at^2)
v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, a = acceleration, t = time, s = displacement

In an example my physics teacher uses the equation x = x0 + (v^2-u^2)/2a

I'm assuming he derived that from the second equation I listed but I can't figure out why (v^2-u^2) is divided by 2a. When I rearrange that equation I get s = v^2 - y^2 - 2a
Am I just using incorrect algebra or is that a different equation altogether?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
BogMonkey said:
I'm assuming he derived that from the second equation I listed but I can't figure out why (v^2-u^2) is divided by 2a. When I rearrange that equation I get s = v^2 - y^2 - 2a
Show the steps in your derivation.
Am I just using incorrect algebra or is that a different equation altogether?
You are making an algebra error. Also, realize that what is called 's' in one equation is called 'x - x0' in the other.
 
  • #3
BogMonkey said:
The equations for linear motion I've memorized are:
1.) v = u + at
2.) v^2 = u^2 + 2as
3.) s = ut + 1/2(at^2)
v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, a = acceleration, t = time, s = displacement

In an example my physics teacher uses the equation x = x0 + (v^2-u^2)/2a

I'm assuming he derived that from the second equation I listed but I can't figure out why (v^2-u^2) is divided by 2a. When I rearrange that equation I get s = v^2 - y^2 - 2a
Am I just using incorrect algebra or is that a different equation altogether?

He is. But what you have as s your teacher has apparently called the change in position or delta x, which is really just the final position on a line we might call the x- axis, subtracted by the initial position. He has written final x position as x, and x0 to symbolize initial x position. Knowing this does the algebra now make sense?

oops you apparently realized this now that I look back. you are mixing dividing and multiplying with subtracting and adding in your algebra. This is going to create big problems.
 
  • #4
Alright here's the steps
v^2 = u^2 + 2as
1.) Moved the v^2 over and got 0 = u^2 - u^2 + 2as
2.) Moved the s and got -s = u^2 - v^2 + 2a
3.) Changed all the signs and got s = v^2 - u^2 - 2a

I never fully learned algebra which seems to be the source of 90% of the problems I have with physics. Like you said pgardn I mix up the addition/subtraction with the multiplication/division when moving things from one side of an equation to the other. Can you recommend a method of knowing exactly how to rearrange equations when you have combinations of addition/subtraction/multiplication/division?
 
Last edited:
  • #5
BogMonkey said:
Alright here's the steps
v^2 = u^2 + 2as
1.) Moved the v^2 over and got 0 = u^2 - u^2 + 2as
OK. (But better to just move the u^2 to the left.)
2.) Moved the s and got -s = u^2 - v^2 + 2a
No good. You must do the same operation to both sides. On the left, you subtracted 's'; on the right you picked one term and divided it by 's'.

Move the entire '2as' term to the left side.
 
  • #6
BogMonkey said:
Alright here's the steps
v^2 = u^2 + 2as
1.) Moved the v^2 over and got 0 = u^2 - u^2 + 2as
2.) Moved the s and got -s = u^2 - v^2 + 2a
3.) Changed all the signs and got s = v^2 - u^2 - 2a

I never fully learned algebra which seems to be the source of 90% of the problems I have with physics. Like you said pgardn I mix up the addition/subtraction with the multiplication/division when moving things from one side of an equation to the other. Can you recommend a method of knowing exactly how to rearrange equations when you have combinations of addition/subtraction/multiplication/division?

When you write moved you really have to know whether you are adding/subtracting v. multiplying/dividing in order to isolate some variable. You cannot move the s over like you did(subtracting/multiplying). It has to move with the 2a as well...the whole 2as has to be added to each side...

sorry again, already posted by Dr. Al.

I don't mean to be a downer, but you are really going to have to work on your algebra or this is going to be very tough (as you noted) if your physics class is anything but purely conceptual.
 
  • #7
Thanks a lot. So it appears its better to look at it like doing the same operation on both sides than moving something from one side of the equation to the other.

Yeah its gotten very tough already. Its basically just this rearranging equations part I have trouble with but that seems to be one of the most essential maths skills to have when it comes to physics so I suppose I better master it.
 
  • #8
BogMonkey said:
Thanks a lot. So it appears its better to look at it like doing the same operation on both sides than moving something from one side of the equation to the other.

Yeah its gotten very tough already. Its basically just this rearranging equations part I have trouble with but that seems to be one of the most essential maths skills to have when it comes to physics so I suppose I better master it.

At least you understand what you do not understand.

Yes you are manipulating both sides in exactly the same way to isolate one of the variables. Some people have done this so thoroughly that they can perform this very quickly. For those who have not had the practice, practice is in order.

A small sample of what you did...

A = B - CD Read A is equal to B, when B has CxD subtracted from it. So you wanted to get the D as the variable by itself. First you "move" the B to the other side by subtracting B from both sides. Now you have A - B = -(CD) . Second you get the C "moved" by dividing both sides by C. Now you will have A - B all divided by C is equal to - D. Multiply each side by -1... This of course is a long process, but necessary if you have not had a lot of practice.

It is kind of confusing for people just coming back to algebra again with the notation and the rules. Sorry if I oversimplified, but this is basically the same thing you had with your kinematic equation.
 

What are the kinematic equations?

The kinematic equations are a set of equations used to describe the motion of an object in terms of its position, velocity, acceleration, and time. They are commonly used in physics and engineering to solve problems involving motion.

Why is it important to rearrange kinematic equations?

Rearranging kinematic equations allows us to solve for different variables depending on the information we have. This is useful in solving real-world problems where we may not have all of the information given in the original equation.

What is the process for rearranging kinematic equations?

The process for rearranging kinematic equations involves identifying the variable you want to solve for, isolating it on one side of the equation, and then simplifying the equation to solve for that variable. This may involve using algebraic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Can you rearrange kinematic equations for non-uniform motion?

Yes, kinematic equations can be rearranged for both uniform and non-uniform motion. However, the equations for non-uniform motion may involve more complex mathematical operations, such as integration, to solve for the desired variable.

Are there any limitations to rearranging kinematic equations?

While rearranging kinematic equations can be useful in solving problems, there may be certain situations where it is not applicable. For example, if the motion of an object is impacted by external forces, the kinematic equations may not accurately describe its motion and rearranging them may not yield accurate results.

Similar threads

Replies
49
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
802
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
910
Back
Top